South Loop crawl: New Michigan Avenue bars and restaurants

Square One in the South Loop (Lenny Gilmore/RedEye )

October 17, 2012|By Lisa Arnett, RedEye

The South Loop has seen a flurry of bar and restaurant openings in the past year and a half, and four of them happen to be on the west side of Michigan Avenue between Roosevelt Road and 16th Street. If you haven't paid these bustling blocks a visit, let this mini-map serve as your guide.

Karamela Coffee, Sweets & Crepes1250 S. Michigan Ave. 312-322-0400Opened in: October This just-opened cafe offers Julius Meinl espresso and a pastry case full of sweets for a quick-grab snack as well as crepes, sandwiches and salads.

Waffles1400 S. Michigan Ave. 312-854-8572Opened in: August 2011Waffles featuring flavors both sweet (green tea, strawberry) and savory (meatballs, short ribs) are the main event at this breakfast shop. Next door neighbor Square One not only shares the same street address, but also serves Waffles' namesake breakfast item on its weekend brunch menu.

Square One1400 S. Michigan Ave. 312-786-1750Opened in: August Why wait for a bartender? This wine bar is the only place in the city where you can dispense your own wine, thanks to a self-serve soda fountain-style machine.

City Tavern1416 S. Michigan Ave. 312-663-1278Opened in: June At this 18th century tavern-inspired restaurant, new dishes are being rotated onto the menu courtesy of chef Jackie Shen, whom you may recognize from her time at Red Light or Chicago Cut Steakhouse.